Chapter 20 - Chapter 二十: A Firm Choice, Confirming Their Bond

Lu Chengyu held Su Wan's hand as they walked out of the office building. The late autumn sunlight fell on them, carrying a hint of warmth. Su Wan could feel the warmth of Lu Chengyu's palm and the faint trembling of his fingertips—though he appeared firm on the surface, he must have been nervous too."I'm sorry you had to suffer," Lu Chengyu stopped, turning to face Su Wan, his eyes filled with remorse. "I should have made it clear to Chen Yuxin earlier, so she wouldn't have had the chance to harass you.""It's okay," Su Wan shook her head and smiled at him. "I know you had your own difficulties. Besides... you spoke so firmly just now. I'm really happy."Looking at her smile, Lu Chengyu's heart felt illuminated by sunlight. He gently brushed her hair, his voice soft: "No one will ever bully you—not now, not in the future."That afternoon, Lu Chengyu drove to Hengyuan Group. Mr. Chen, Chen Yuxin's father, sat in his office holding a teacup, his expression grim. "Chengyu, what is the meaning of this? Yuxin told me you rejected the marriage alliance and want to terminate our cooperation?""Mr. Chen, I'm sorry, but I can't agree to the marriage alliance," Lu Chengyu sat on the sofa, his tone sincere yet firm. "I have someone I love, and I can't string Yuxin along. As for the cooperation, we can find other suppliers for the Stellar Center's stone materials. We will double the deposit we've already paid and compensate your company for any losses incurred."Mr. Chen set down his teacup and sighed: "I've always known you're a decisive young man. When Yuxin told me she liked you, I warned her that feelings can't be forced. Since you already have someone you care about, let's forget about the marriage alliance. As for the cooperation, I'll discuss it with my team to see if we can continue supplying the stone—the Stellar Center is a good project, and I don't want personal feelings to interfere with business."Lu Chengyu hadn't expected Mr. Chen to be so reasonable, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Chen. I hope we can cooperate again in the future."After leaving Hengyuan Group, Lu Chengyu immediately sent Su Wan a message: "It's settled. Mr. Chen agreed to continue supplying the stone, and we've cleared up the marriage alliance issue. I'm taking you somewhere tonight—there's a surprise."Su Wan's heart filled with joy as she read the message. She looked at the bracelet on her wrist, twisting the gears gently with her fingertips, a smile tugging at her lips.That evening, Lu Chengyu took Su Wan to the restaurant where they'd had their first meal together. Located on the top floor of a downtown building, it offered a panoramic view of the city's night sky. Lu Chengyu had reserved a window seat, where bright neon lights and distant skyscrapers glowed like a sea of lights."Remember this place?" Lu Chengyu asked with a smile. "On our first meal, you were so nervous you only talked about work the whole time."Su Wan blushed at the memory of their first meeting. "Back then, I thought you were a very serious boss. I didn't dare talk about anything else."The waiter brought their food—the same dishes they'd ordered the first time: pan-seared steak, cream of mushroom soup, and fruit salad. They chatted as they ate, talking about the Stellar Center's progress, their future plans, and childhood anecdotes. The atmosphere was relaxed and warm; no matter how beautiful the night view outside, it couldn't compare to the smile of the person in front of them.After dinner, Lu Chengyu pulled a small black velvet box from his pocket and placed it in front of Su Wan. Tied with a silver ribbon, the delicate box exuded an air of anticipation. "I originally wanted to give this to you on your birthday, but because of the misunderstandings, I never got the chance. Now, I want to hand it to you personally."Su Wan's heart raced as she looked at Lu Chengyu and slowly opened the box. Inside lay a silver ring with a simple design—a tiny star motif in the center, adorned with intricate engravings along its edges. Engraved inside were the words "Chengyu & Wanwan.""This isn't a proposal ring," Lu Chengyu picked up the ring, his eyes earnest. "It's a promise to you. I know it's too early to talk about marriage, but I want you to know that my feelings for you are sincere. I will strive to make you happy, to free you from all gossip and pressure. No matter what difficulties we face in the future, I will stand by your side. No matter how many people oppose us, I will choose you without hesitation."Tears fell instantly from Su Wan's eyes. She looked at Lu Chengyu, her voice choked with emotion: "Chengyu, I believe you. I will face all difficulties with you too."Lu Chengyu gently took her hand and slipped the ring onto her ring finger. It fit perfectly, its cool metal carrying the warmth of his sincere feelings. "Wanwan, will you be my girlfriend?"Su Wan nodded vigorously, throwing herself into Lu Chengyu's arms and crying freely. He held her gently, patting her back and whispering in her ear: "It's okay, don't cry. I'm here now, and I'll always be with you."Soft music flowed through the restaurant as the night view outside sparkled brightly. Embracing each other, they felt as if the entire world had narrowed down to just the two of them. After enduring gossip, misunderstandings, and external interference, they had finally bared their hearts to each other, confirming their feelings without reservation.As they walked out of the restaurant, Lu Chengyu held Su Wan's hand, strolling along the street. The late autumn night was cool, so he took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, still warm with his body heat. "Are you cold?" he asked softly, tucking her hand into his pocket."No," Su Wan leaned against him, watching the street lights, her heart filled with sweetness and happiness."By the way, for the Stellar Center's curved dome," Lu Chengyu suddenly said, "I want to engrave patterns on the glass—stars and gears, just like your necklace and bracelet. That way, when people see the dome in the future, they'll know it's a project we created together."Su Wan smiled and nodded: "That's a great idea! We should also engrave our names, making this project a testament to our love.""Absolutely," Lu Chengyu tightened his grip on her hand, his eyes brimming with anticipation. "In the future, we'll work on many more projects together, design our own home, travel to countless places, and grow old together slowly."Under the moonlight, their shadows stretched long, their laughter echoing along the street like a warm melody. Su Wan knew that the road ahead might still hold difficulties and challenges, but as long as Lu Chengyu was by her side, she had the courage to face anything. Their love, like the curved glass dome of the Stellar Center, had weathered storms and finally bloomed with dazzling light, illuminating each other's futures.